Losing Weight Involves Breaking Habits

Be mindful that the first month will be the most difficult. Essentially, you are breaking old habits — changing your routine. This is not easy. Our minds are conditioned to “protect” us. It learns from repetition. Naturally, if your mind “knows” your routine does NOT involve physical activity, it will attempt to persuade you to avoid it. Go for that run, when it is telling you to “skip the gym.” Anticipate a rush of endorphins when you “just do it.”

Avoid telling everyone your weight loss intention Misery loves company, and although you may be seeking praise, you may quickly get the opposite. I learned this in my twenties. Right out of college, I was hired as a graphic designer for a small trade association (stamp dealers!), after my first assignment, a telephone call seeking praise from the president of the association, was rebuffed with this simple, but effective piece of advice, “listen kid, be careful that when you’re looking for a pat on the back, you get a swift kick in the butt.” So there. Don’t ask, tell, inquire, fish, desire or implore from people praise on how you are doing. After all, it is your goal.

Drink a glass of water as soon as you wake You have been asleep for eight hours (at least). Your body is dehydrated, especially in the winter time. An eight-ounce glass of water helps to “flush” the toxins your digestive system processed while you were asleep. This is an essential weight loss routine.

Cut portions in half, especially when you are eating out Restaurants will often load your plate with excess rice, potatoes — endless carbs. Just split it in half, right there on the plate. Half the serving, half the calories. Take the remainder to go. On your way home, hand it over — nicely — to someone who cannot afford to dine out. Be symbiotic.

Avoid “snacking” on sides at restaurants, especially the bread and the french fries. Most American, chain restaurants provide fries as a side dish. Move them from your plate altogether. It takes a tremendous amount of willpower not to “snack” on fries, especially when voraciously hungry. Order a soup (no chowders) when you are ordering your beverage.

Don’t weigh yourself every day This is a surefire way to disappointment. Unless you ran a marathon the day before, there will not be that much change in your weight from yesterday. And when you do weigh, do it after your essentials in the morning. That’s at least two pounds gone! See my “2-Rule.”

Losing weight involves breaking habits. As creatures of routine and repetition, this will be difficult — at first. Just stick with it. Even if you do quit, make sure and start again. Remember, “fall down seven times, get up eight.”

About the Author

Fitness model, Stefan Pinto was was once 50lbs overweight. His motivation to lose weight manifested by doing something different and persevering through informed dieting and exercise. Stefan Pinto advocates weight loss with a combination of proper nutrition and effective, daily exercise. You can contact Stefan at PintoFactory blog.

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